James Coleridge of Bella Galateria
the smart choice in education
enriched curriculum
individualized reading, writing, math, science, computers, music, arts, French, sports, drama, yoga, dance
specialized programs
traditional 3 year cefa™ Junior Kindergarten program for 2-3, 3-4 and 4-5 year olds; cefa baby™ for 1-2 year olds
excellent faculty
cefa™ certified teachers also licensed in ece and trained in montessori and reggio. Loving and nurturing teachers inspire children to learn using exclusive cefa™ educational methods and games full day or part-time school on-site chef, classrooms of 12-16 children, cinema, circus, art room and art gallery
westvancouver@cefa.ca canadaway@cefa.ca langley@cefa.ca northvancouver@cefa.ca
newwestminster@cefa.ca
White Rock 15300 Croydon Drive
whiterock@cefa.ca
Richmond 10811 No. 4 Road 604.275.2332 richmond@cefa.ca
Vancouver 2946 Commercial Drive 604.879.2332 vancouver@cefa.ca
Kingsway 4021 Kingsway 604.568.8808 kingsway@cefa.ca
Father Kali with daughters Tuuli & Xyla celebrate Father’s Day with a romp in the park!
Photographed by Dylan Doubt
Coleridge of Bella Galateria
My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.
~Clarence Budington Kelland, American writer (1881-1964)
My father was, in many ways, a revolutionary specimen for his time. When I was a child, he was the one who did the laundry and household chores, drove me to most of my activities, and helped me with my homework. These days, he relishes his new role as Grandpa, and is the go-to for roughhousing, piggyback rides and the fixing of toys (and the occasional bandage). When friends ask how my daughter deals with not having a father-figure, I point to him and say, “She does.”
It is a common (and unfortunate) misperception that a dad must be a biological parent. Dads come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s as a step-dad, uncle, grandpa, friend, teacher or mentor, the fathering that’s offered is equally valid and precious. And despite the tendency to give motherhood the limelight in recent years, a growing body of research insists that dads will never be out of date. A father’s unique influence on both male and female children is irreplaceable and essential. And with more dads taking longer parental leaves and then staying home to raise their kids, that influence is happily becoming more prevalent.
We take a look this month at the special relationship that dads have with their daughters, for instance, as well as what actually makes a “cool” dad (and no, it’s not
your thoughts
I just wanted to mention how much I enjoyed reading your profile on Diane Srivastava and Tania Zulkoskey [WestCoast Mom, May]. I loved their honesty and candour on raising twins and I, too, hope that the government recognizes the need for dual parental leave in the case of multiples. As a mother of twins myself, I can relate to the challenges of two babies and it is a true necessity to have both parents at home in that first year, sharing in the care. I personally would have truly appreciated my husband being home with me, and I also would have loved if he had been able to help with the breastfeeding, too, as Diane was! Anyway, I am impressed that these two moms were willing to sacrifice some income by both choosing to stay home with their babies. Their children are fortunate indeed and these moms are setting such a great standard. Thanks for this story!
Linda Scotch
that pea coat from Haven). We also talk to two top chefs (who are also dads, of course) about feeding kids right. June also means the return of our party guide, and we hope that you’ll find our resource listings handy for all your upcoming celebrations. It’s also Bike Month, so our travel article focuses on a two-wheeled adventure in the Utah desert, and we have some useful info for those planning to make a purchase or simply maintain what they already own. I have been on the hunt for a good city cruiser myself. The munchkin is insisting on family bike rides in the near future, and I’m ashamed to admit, the last time I was on a bike, I was not yet old enough to vote. Wish me luck.
There’s a lot to celebrate this month (including what looks like the start of summer—finally) and I hope you are able to get out there and enjoy it, whether on foot or wheel.
See you next month!
Thank you for the great article on helping children have a positive self-image [Kids and Body Image, March]. The media bombards our children with overly sexual and highly unrealistic images on a non-stop basis, and, as a parent, I often find it a little overwhelming trying to counteract what my son and daughter exposed to both on screen and at school. I hope that our schools will take a stronger role in future in helping parents in this fight to save our kids’ self-image.
Tracy Kellinger
Got anything to say, rant about or praise? We want to hear it all!
Email editor@westcoastfamilies.com with your comments, questions and suggestions, and be entered to win monthly prizes!
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Publisher Andrea Vance publisher@westcoastfamilies.com
Managing Editor Anya Levykh editor@westcoastfamilies.com
Art Director & Layout Krysta Furioso studio@westcoastfamilies.com
Accounts Receivable & Bookkeeping Jennifer Brulé finance@westcoastfamilies.com
Administration / Editorial Assistant Jennifer Bruyns admin@westcoastfamilies.com
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For distribution inquiries, please contact: Jennifer Bruyns
Contributors: Teresa de La Boursodiere, Debbie Bowman, Jennifer Bruyns, Sara Dimerman, Dylan Doubt Photography, Michele Kambolis, Kavita Khajuria, Gina Spanos Photography, Jared Walker.
WestCoast Families (WCF) is an independent, regional parenting publication. As the Lower Mainland’s prime resource for happy, healthy & active families, WCF provides informative and relevant content.
All contents copyrighted ©. Written permission from the publisher is required to reproduce, quote, reprint or copy any material from WestCoast Families.
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For queries about editorial submissions, please view the contributor guidelines on our website.
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WestCoast Families is proud to have been selected as a mom-friendly employer for the 2010 Progressive Employers of Canada List. And congratulations to our fellow inductees!
Photographed by
WIN the Kodak Playsport Zx5 (Value $180)
Specifically designed for adrenaline junkies, active dads will love the next generation of the Kodak Playsport Video Camera. The new waterproof, shockproof and dustproof Playsport Zx5 can help Dad capture his adventures in full 1080p HD video—even ten feet underwater—with the touch of a button and can keep up with all of dad’s wild adventures—whether he is skiing the slopes or surfing the waves. Equipped with the Kodak Share Button, the new Playsport makes it easy to share adventures with friends and family, allowing users to upload photos and videos straight to e-mail, the Kodak PULSE Digital frame, or social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Available at Best Buy, Future Shop, London Drugs and other major retailers. www.kodak.ca
Deadline to Enter: June 30, 2011
WIN a Family Prize Pack to experience Birds Up Close at the Vancouver Aquarium (Value $150)
From June 4 until September 5, see falcons, hawks, eagles and more dynamic feathered acrobats in an unparalleled aerial show. Explore the unique relationships between seas and sky through up-close bird experiences and special educational programming throughout the galleries. Prize includes four admission passes and a special gift package. For more info, visit online. www.visitvanaqua.org
Deadline to Enter: June 30, 2011 Enter to win any of these great prizes online
WIN this Starter Gardening Package from President’s Choice (Value $167)
Beautiful gardens start from the ground up, with healthy and vibrant soil and optimal growing conditions. Use this prize to get your garden in prime summer shape. Includes PC® Solar Illuminated Planter, PC® Soil Scoop, two bags of PC® Moisture Lock™ Premium Potting Soil, PC® Magic Grow® Blooms Single Dose Fertilizer 15-30-15, and a $50 President’s Choice® Gift Card—to buy flowers for your planter! www.presidentschoice.ca
Deadline to Enter: June 30, 2011
The Children’s Party Specialists Face painting, balloon animals, arts and crafts, and more. 604-318-1261 • www.partyarts.ca
WIN this Party Package from The Party Monkey and Party Arts (Value $250)
The Party Monkey is your one-stop shop for supplies, decorations, piñatas and more! Party Arts is a mobile service that provides crafts, balloons, face-painting and more! Prize includes a $100 Party Package from The Party Monkey that you can customize with your child’s favourite theme, plus a two-hour face painting and balloon art package worth $150 from Party Arts! www.thepartymonkey.ca | www.partyarts.ca
Deadline to Enter: June 30, 2011
westcoast finds
North America’s first biodegradable dental products!
Did you know Canadians throw away up to 134 million toothbrushes annually? Vancouver company Clean Idea’s new EcoBrushes and EcoFlossers are the first biodegradable toothbrushes and flosses made from corn, wheat, tapioca and potatoes and designed to decompose into organic material. $3.99 each. Available at Shoppers Drug Mart and London Drugs, and online at Lavish and Lime. www.cleanideadental.com
for DAD
Orcas by Ayala Moriel
Just in time for Father’s Day, this masculine scent from local bespoke perfumer Ayala Moriel has notes of ginger, lime and cedar wood, with hints of Egyptian geranium and boronia. $120 for 15 mL. Available at House of Jewels, Dream, Gentille Alouette, and online. www.ayalamoriel.com
Safe Summers with Safety Tats
Make Parties Pop with Traceycakes’ Cake Pops
These colourful little treats are part cake, part popsicle and are made from hand rolled cake covered in icing and dipped in premium chocolate and then put on a lollipop stick. Available with a variety of toppings, as well as custom flavours and designs. $2 each. www.traceycakesonline.com
Creuset Ultimate Barbecue Set
Celebrate this Father’s Day with this cool barbecue set from the brand behind the world’s finest enamelled cookware and accessories. Featuring a large serving platter with matching barbecue jar and brush, available in cherry red. $99.99. Available at fine cook shops and online. www.lecreuset.com
One of the most frightening experiences for a child is getting lost. It happens all the time and many of us have vivid memories of going through the same thing ourselves. SafetyTat temporary tattoos give the child the peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. And now with hightech QR codes that can be programmed with additional info like allergies, alternative emergency numbers and more. Starting at $9.99 for six. Available at Pinky Blue and online. www.safetytat.com
Vibram Five-Finger Treksport from MEC
For active dads! Keep that delightful barefoot feel and freedom of movement, and add a bit more protection and cushioning for sustained happiness on longer, land-based hauls. Outsoles are lightly lugged 4mm Vibram performance rubber, for traction on trails and over more rugged terrain. $99. www.mec.ca
Did you know we’re online? Read our current issue from your laptop, iPad or even iPhone! Just visit us at www.westcoastfamilies.com and click on the cover image! You can click through on any highlighted link, including ads, to read more!
Le
Just for DAD
Are You Boat Safe?
Six to eight million Canadians are boaters, but most aren’t aware about Transport Canada’s Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations. If you’re planning to go boating this summer, here are some things to be aware of. All operators must carry proof of competency on board at all times. Proof of competency can be shown by obtaining a Please Craft Operator Card (PCOC) through passing an accredited boat safety test; proof of a boat safety test prior to April 1, 1999; an accepted marine certificate (see government website for full list); or a completed rental-boat safety checklist (although these are only good for the rental period). Remember, a PCOC is good for life! For full details and a list of accredited course providers, visit www.tc.gc.ca.
Now Open! CLIFFWALK at Capilano Suspension Bridge
300 feet (91m) above Capilano River, CLIFFWALK is an adrenaline-pumping series of narrow suspended stairs, bridges and walkways. A signature u-shaped bridge cantilevered over the river canyon and glass bottomed decks highlight the 700 foot (213m) journey offering spectacular river, canyon and rainforest views. Partnering with the David Suzuki Foundation, ecological information is creatively presented to enhance this one-of-a-kind experience. www.capbridge.com
Lovestruck Baby Fair
Help with Date Night
Gotsitter.com is a new, free online service that offers families the chance to easily schedule babysitting with people they already know and trust. When a parent needs a sitter, he or she makes a request on the website and if the schedule matches your list of babysitter’s availability, then a text message or email is sent to all available sitters at once. This eliminates the frustration of calling multiple babysitters to find out which one is available. The service also allows babysitters to find jobs quickly and safely online with families they are already connected to by posting their availability on the easy-to-use website calendar. www.gotsitter.com
Sunday, June 19, 10am-5pm Creekside Community Centre (Right next to Science World)
Come out for a fabulous day of entertainment, shopping, fun, food and prizes! Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs will be there, as well as the Ta Daa Lady, face painting and much more! Tickets: Adults $5; Children over five $2; Children under five FREE. www.lovestruckbabies.com
party guide
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PARTY VENUES
Academy of Music and Dance
Surrey | 604.951.3725
White Rock | 604.531.3993 Walnut Grove | 604.882.0422 www.musicanddance.org
Bella Ceramica Studio
West Vancouver
604.925.3115 | www.bellaceramicastudio.com
Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel
604.293.6501 | www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Canlan Sports
Multiple locations
604.291.0626 | www.icesports.com
Castle Fun Park
Abbotsford
604.850.0411 | www.castlefunpark.com
Chuck E. Cheese’s Langley
604.534.9966 | www.chuckecheese.com
Circus West
Vancouver
604.252.3679 | www.circuswest.org
Cliffhanger
Coquitlam | 604.526.2402
Vancouver | 604.874.2400
Richmond | 604.276.0012 www.cliffhangerclimbing.com
Collage Collage
Vancouver
604.569.1929 | collagecollage.ca
Crash Crawly’s Coquitlam
604.526.1551 | www.crash-crawlys.com
Creativ Music Centre
North Vancouver
604.929.4040 | www.creativ.ca
Delta Gymnastics
604.943.0460 | www.deltagymnastics.com
Flip City
Walnut Grove 604.888.3366 | www.flipcitygym.com
Fort Langley
National Historic Site of Canada
604.513.4777
Fun4kidz
Richmond | 604.279.5439
West Vancouver | 604.925.0707 www.fun4kidz.ca
Go Bananas! Langley | 604.514.7529
North Vancouver | 604.982.0576
Richmond | 604.204.0576 www.gobananasplaycenter.com
Greater Vancouver Zoo
Aldergrove 604.856.6825 | www.gvzoo.com
Gymboree Play and Music
Multiple locations gymboreeclasses.com
Honeyland Canada—Dr. Bee Birthdays Pitt Meadows 604.460.8889 | www.honeylandcanada.com
HR MacMillan Space Centre
Vancouver 604.738.7827 | www.hrmacmillanspacecentre.com
Imagine Children’s Museum Everett, Washington 425.258.1006 | www.imaginecm.org
Jump! Gymnastics
Vancouver 604.568.9690 | www.jumpgymnastics.ca
Jump Start Music & Movement Coquitlam 604.777.7179 | www.jumpstartmusicandmovement.com
Koko’s Activity Centre Port Moody 604.469.3357 | www.kokos.ca
Laser Dome
North Vancouver
604.985.6033 | www.laserdome.net
Laughing Stock Ranch Langley
604.720.6484 | www.laughingstockranch.ca
Making Memories with Scrapbooking Burnaby 604.299.3601 www.makingmemorieswithscrapbooking.com
Maplewood Farm
North Vancouver 604.929.5610 | www.maplewoodfarm.bc.ca
Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre 604.257.8180 | www.marpoleoakridge.org
McDonald’s Restaurants
Multiple locations www.mcdonalds.ca
Minoru Aquatic Centre 604.718.8020 | www.richmond.ca
My Gym Children’s Fitness Centre
Maple Ridge 604.465.1329 | www.my-gym.com
Omega Gymnastics Academy Coquitlam 604.464.1555 | www.omegagymnastics.com
Phoenix Gymnastics Club Vancouver 604.737.7693 | www.phoenixgymnastics.com
Planet Lazer Langley | 604.514.2282
New Westminster | 604.515.4244
Richmond | 604.448.9999 www.planetlazer.net
Playland 604.252.3663 | www.pne.ca
Quantum Gymnastics Centre 604.465.9293 | www.quantumgym.com
Richmond Family Place 604.833.0271 | www.richmondfamilyplace.ca
Richmond Olympic Oval
778.296.1480 | www.richmondoval.ca
Richmond Go-Kart Track
604.278.6184 | www.richmondgokarts.com
Safari Kids Zone
Abbotsford
604.850.5536 | www.safarikidszone.ca
Safeguard Martial Arts
Langley
604.532.0090 | www.langleykarate.com
Schokolade Café
Vancouver
604.253.9411 | www.schokoladecafe.com
Science World
604.443.7443 | www.scienceworld.ca
Splashdown Park
Tsawwassen
604.943.2251 | www.splashdownpark.ca
SPCA
Multiple locations www.spca.bc.ca
Sugar ‘N Spice
Coquitlam
604.469.6018 | www.sugarnspicecreations.ca
Surrey Nature Centre
604.502.6065 | www.surrey.ca
The Adventure Zone
Granville Island
604.608.6699 | www.theadventurezone.ca
The Arts Connection
Richmond
604.241.0141 | www.theartsconnection.ca
The Dizzy Whisk Mobile
778.998.3530 | www.dizzywhisk.com
The Edge North Vancouver
604.984.9080 | www.edgeclimbing.com
The Great Escape Langley
604.533.1432 | www.thege.ca
The Little Gym Langley
604.539.2543 | www.tlglangleybc.com
The Rock Wall Maple Ridge
604.460.0808 | www.therockwall.com
The Zone Bowling Centre
Coquitlam & Richmond
604.525.2695 | www.zbowl.com
Urban Chef
Mobile
604.603.0334 | www.theurbanchef.ca
Urban Dance Co
Richmond & Mobile
604.277.4494 | www.urbandanceco.com
Vancouver Aquarium
604.659.3552 | www.visitvanaqua.org
Vancouver Maritime Museum
604.257.8310 | www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
Vancouver Police Museum
604.665.3346 | www.vancouverpolicemuseum.ca
Vertical Reality
Surrey
604.594.0664 | www.verticalreality.ca
Watermania Richmond
604.448.5353 | www.richmond.ca
WildPlay Element Park
Maple Ridge
604.477.1197 | www.wildplay.com
Xcalibur Bowling
Surrey
604.580.2600 | www.xcaliburbowling.com
YMCA
Multiple locations www.vanymca.ca
DECORATIONS & SUPPLIES
All Wrapped Up Party Supplies
604.574.6127
Balloonery
604.986.8787
Balloons-R-Fun
604.534.8844
BC Children’s Hospital (Tribute cards) www.bcchf.ca
BC Playthings
604.986.4111 | www.bcplaythings.com
Bopomo
604.678.1411 | www.bopomo.ca
Cards by Kids
604.987.4187 | www.cardsbykids.ca
Carmela’s Cakes
604.295.3933 | www.carmelascakes.com
Fratelli Bakery
604.255.8926 | www.fratellibakery.com
Fun-in-a-Box Canada
604.782.4345 | www.funinaboxcanada.com
It’s My Party Shop
604.931.6040 | www.itsmypartyshop.ca
Joyful Celebrations
604.756.1199 | www.joyfulcelebrations.ca
Just Imagine
604.222.3523 | www.dressups.com
Kaboodles Toy Store Granville Island | 604.684.0066 West Point Grey | 604.224.5311 www.kaboodlestoystore.ca
Kids Market Granville Island
604.689.8447 | www.kidsmarket.ca
Love Those Loot Bags
604.888.6772 | www.lovethoselootbags.com
Par-T-Perfect www.par-t-ware.ca
Party Arts and Crafts
604.318.1261 | www.partyarts.ca
Party Tailors
604.461.1711 | www.partytailors.com
Perfect Party by Cody 877.662.5533 | www.perfectpartybycody.com
Pettiskirt Photo Parties by Gina Spanos
604.298.3611 | www.ginaspanos.com
Portraits by Anita
604.376.6447 | www.portraitsbyanita.com
Sweets and Treats www.sweetsandtreats.ca
Tartlets Pastry & Cake Design 604.724.7625 | www.tartlets.ca
party guide
The Balloon Shop
604.684.0959 | www.theballoonshop.com
The Party Bazaar—Bazaar and Novelty
604.873.5241 | www.thepartybazaar.com
The Party is Ready
604.945.5321 | www.thepartyisready.com
The Party Monkey
778.298.1777 | thepartymonkey.ca
Tracycakes Bakery Cafe
Abbotsford | 604.852.1904
Fort Langley | 604.888.1984
White Rock | 604.541.4668 www.tracycakesonline.com
Turkey’s Party Makers
604.576.1467 | www.turkeyspartymakers.com
The Village Toy Shop
604.949.0444 | www.villagetoyshop.ca
ENTERTAINERS & PACKAGES
Abracadabra Magic Productions
604.788.9046 | www.magicshow2go.com
Absolutely Magical
604.803.0887 | www.forevermagic.com
Anderson Chow Entertainment
604.526.9643 | www.andersonchow.com
Bell E Buttons The Clown
604.984.4329 | www.bellebuttons.com
Bobs & Lolo
778.329.8644 | www.bobsandlolo.com
Bonkers the Clown
604.576.1842 | www.gobonkers.ca
Castletop Characters
604.736.0876 | www.castletopcharacters.com
Corycatures
604.813.3729 | www.corycatures.com
High Touch-Science Made Fun Parties
778.737.5277 | www.sciencemadefunbc.net
Jamie Wilson
888.661.8969 | www.vancouverjuggler.com
John Kaplan’s Makin’ Magic
604.521.8804 | www.welikemagic.com
Jr Rockstars Birthdays
604.924.4499
Kellie Haines
604.681.2329 | www.kelliehaines.com
Kidz Craftz
604.317.9816 | www.kidzcraftz.ca
Krafty Kidz
604.476.6676 | www.krafty-kidz.ca
Lime Girl Home Spa Parties
604.460.1289 | www.limegirl.ca
Lindsey Long Legs
604.727.7802 | www.stiltwalking.net
Mad Science
604.591.9115 | www.madscience.org/vancouver
Marla Rosen Custom Parties
778.322.7442 | www.emotionsbook.com
Mike’s Critters
604.598.3649 | www.mikescritters.com
Mehndi & More Body & Face Painting
604.812.2048 | www.mehndiandmore.com
Neale Bacon Ventriloquist 604.525.5089 | www.members.shaw.ca/baconandfriends
Norden the Magician
604.916.9879 | www.magicshows.ca
Pamper Your Soul Mobile Spa
604.836.6497| www.pamperyoursoul.com
Par-T-Perfect Burnaby | 604.987.3365
Vancouver/North Vancouver | 604.987.3365
Coquitlam/Surrey | 604.931.1913
Fraser Valley | 604.931.1913 www.par-t-perfect.com
Party Arts and Crafts
604.318.1261 | www.partyarts.ca
Party Works Interactive
604.599.5541 | www.partyworks.bc.ca
Peter Rooke’s Fun Magic Shows
604.984.6822
Ray Wong Magic Entertainment 604.439.8809 | www.raywongmagic.com
Ready Teddy Go
604.460.7217 | www.readyteddygo.ca
Starchild Entertainers
604.541.0908 | www.starchild.bc.ca
Shé www.munchkinmusic.net
Suds N’ Scents
604.859.7837 | www.sudsandscents.com
Take the Stress off Party Planning 778.227.5597
The Blues Berries
604.816.2684 | www.thebluesberries.com
The Great Marrdini 604-803-4813 | www.marrdini.com
The Magic Of Yeeri
604.306.6229 | www.yeeri.com
The Purple Pirate 604.805.4395 | www.purplepirate.com
The Ta Daa Lady 604.649.1979 | www.angelabrown.ca
Vancouver Magic Productions
604.937.7258 | www.vancouvermagic.com
Will Stroet
604.727.4413 | www.willmusic.ca
Zox of the Forest
604.710.4234 | www.zoxoftheforest.com
Reduce Summer Brain Drain and Increase Your Child’s Learning
By Kavita Kajuria and Teresa de La Boursodiere
When planning this summer’s fun-filled activities, there are many things that you can do to ensure your family’s maximum development, learning, and neuroplasticity while reducing stress. Optimizing brain and other daily functions such as cognitive activity, memory, executive functions, motor control, and perception can be achieved through engaging in specific activities. Active physical and mental participation improves brain development and can be used to enhance a person’s capacity to self-regulate and prevent both “brain drain” and pruning back of the brain’s neuronal networks.
Neuroplasticity occurs when our brain uses new neuronal circuits or loops. These circuits are formed by performing activities such as aerobic exercises and games, as well as everyday activities such as reading, art, and leisure activities. Activities that induce neuroplasticity also help improve awareness, judgment, processing new information and learning. Self-regulation capitalizes on the brain and body’s plasticity and ability to learn how to control and modify physiological activity to improve health, wellness, learning and performance.
This usually involves the use of some type of feedback loop so that the person is made aware of when they are achieving the desired goal. This can be achieved by monitoring physiological activities such as brain waves, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, muscle activity, skin conductance, blood flow, and temperature. These are measured and fed back to the person in real time while they are carrying out daily activities or prescribed tasks so they can learn to moderate each activity when under stress, needing to focus, or trying to relax. Once these changes are brought to the person’s awareness, the person then experiences how to more effectively regulate their symptoms and achieve their goals.
Activities that improve self-regulation can be effective for improving behaviour, and reducing health symptoms. It can also be effective for addressing concerns for incontinence, pain, learning difficulties, and behavioural concerns. Normal stressors that children experience activate their “fight or flight” response. This causes their heart to beat faster, an increase in respiration, tensing of muscles, cold and sweaty hands, as well as a change in the stress chemicals being released in the brain and body.
Individuals with a heightened physiological reactivity are more vulnerable to stress and anxiety, as well as prolonged and excessive cardiovascular, electrocortical and hormonal activation. This suppresses immune function, and leads to health and behavioural problems, which can lead to chronic conditions. Aprroximately 20% of children have been shown to experience these psychophysiologic symptoms in their development. Provide activities to help develop coping skills and enable them to change the way they perceive and react to stress. This could include diaphragmatic breathing, which has been shown to have a positive effect on every system in the body. It slows the heart rate and restores respiratory sinus arrhythmia, stimulates the immune system, and increases peripheral warming This will
create the sense of mastery and control. Another activity that teaches selfregulation is progressive muscle relaxation to bring to the person’s awareness the regions of the body that are tense. It reduces blood pressure, respiration, anxiety, and teaches people to relax all muscles in an organized fashion. Meditation can also bring deep states of relaxation while decreasing anxiety and improves physical symptoms. Another effective tool is exercise, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, improve self-image and buffer against stress. Yoga, for example, has been shown to improve flexibility, mood, and enhance fitness though meditative awareness, breathing, and physical postures.
In addition, by participating in activities involving sensory and motor integration, the individual can improve those reflexes that develop both prior to birth and throughout life development. This optimizes growth and learning. These activities include balancing, rolling and walking on all four limbs (bear walk). Higher functional development occurs by specializing in a particular area of interest and enhancing one’s skills further. By focusing on activities that stimulate new aspects of learning, the brain develops in new areas while those that are not used frequently will be pruned off and perhaps forgotten by the brain.
Some activities that would increase your child’s learning are: swimming, cycling, playing ball games such as baseball, football, basketball or beach ball, as well as word games such as Scrabble, or computer word games. Even relaxing in a hammock will improve balance and vestibular functions. Activities should be age appropriate with clear learning objectives that offer simple encouraging cues to motivate the child and enhance participation. This will optimise their full development and prevent brain drain during the summer months.
Kavita Kajuria is an Occupational Therapist and Theresa de La Boursodiere (BSc, Thesis Neurosciences, MBA HCM) is Clinical Director at ADNC Neurofeedback Centre of B.C. (www.neurofeedbackclinic.ca), which specializes in using multisensory approaches to optimise learning, prevent atrophy of functions, and improve IQ.
summer learning
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LEARNING CENTRES
Avenir School
Gifted school for grade five to nine students, enriched and accelerated curriculum.
604.339.3478 | www.avenirschool.ca
BC Kids Education Centre
Specializing in math and English programs. Vancouver | 604.321.0202 Richmond | 604.278.7705 www.brainchild.org
Boundary Bay Montessori
Offering quality education programs to help equip children with proper tools necessary to be independent adults while allowing their unique personalities to unfold.
604.946.9814 | www.bbmh.com
Burnaby Montessori
Offering a quality Montessori summer school program during the month of July for children three to six years.
604.298.1661 | www.burnabymontessori.com
Brainbridge Bilingual Education & Fine Arts Centre
Offering preschool programs including language arts, math, science, social studies, music, arts and crafts, physical education and cultural immersion, as well as after-school programs for students in kindergarten to grade seven (including English, math and Mandarin).
604.322.6830 | www.brainbridge.ca
Capilano Learning Centre
Providing learning sessions for both elementary and high school students in a variety of subjects with the main focus on ensuring students are improving and gaining confidence in school.
604.983.3050 | www.captutors.com
Fraser Academy Association
A fully accredited day school for students in grades one to 12 with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities 604.736.5575 | www.fraseracademy.ca
Ho Math & Chess Learning Centre
Whether you want to reinforce what you have learned or get ahead to enrich yourself, from math contest preparation to fun with math and chess camp, we offer an array of summer programs for children.
604.263.4321 | www.mathandchess.com
Jacquelyn Rud’s Reading Center
A multi-sensory, custom-tailored method designed to teach students to reach their full reading potential. www.readingcenters.com
Kumon
Reading and math enrichment programs available that allow students to develop the skills necessary to have a richer, more successful educational experience.
800.222.6284 | www.kumon.com
Learning Disabilities Association of B.C. Programs for students with reading deficits and learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. 604.873.8139 | www.ldav.ca
Millennium Kids Learning Centre
Specializing in programs for kids with learning challenges. Offering math, writing, comprehension and “brain builder” programs.
604.461.3330 www.millenniumlearningadvantage.com
Opus Academy
Serving the growing need of enrichment and gifted education to high ability students of all ages and skill levels. Vancouver | 604.267.3749 Richmond | 604.233.0577 www.opusacademy.com
Oxford Learning Centres
Students will spend time exploring, discovering, creating and learning. Who knew kids could have so much fun improving their math, reading, writing, study, homework and learning skills? Multiple locations. www.oxfordlearning.com
Reach for the Stars Montessori
Through the carefully planned classroom, learning materials and quality teachers, your preschool child will benefit from the quality education program. Multiple locations. 604.688.7827 | montessoristar.com
REACH Orton-Gillingham Learning Centre
An academic remediation centre formed to assist individuals who are struggling to learn to read or spell. North Vancouver | 604.987.6760 Langley | 604.888.8831 www.reachlearningcenter.com
Reading Foundation
Providing one-on-one attention to students struggling with reading and spelling or math and comprehension difficulties. 604.222.2254 | www.readingfoundation.com
SelfDesign Learning Foundation
SelfDesign (formerly Wondertree Learning Centres) is a learner-directed, enthusiasm-based educational methodology.
877.353.3374 | www.selfdesign.org
Sylvan Learning Centre
A wide variety of tutoring services available to kids of all ages, in-centre and/or online. Multiple locations. 888.338.2283 | www.educate.com
Vancouver Learning Centre
Offering unique and dynamic services (assessments, programs and teaching) for children and youth. 604.738.2277 | www.vancouverlearningcentre.com
The Variety Learning Centre
Programs for children who are struggling academically, using the mediated learning approach.
604.937.3641 | www.varietylearningcentre.org
TUTORING SERVICES
Academic Advantage Tutoring
Servicing the entire Lower Mainland, offering in-home tutoring. 604.439.1790 | www.schooliseasy.com
Academy for Mathematics & English
No matter what age or skill level, find the widest variety of workshops in every field from language arts to advanced functions, vectors and calculus. Richmond | 604.278.5109 North Vancouver | 604.980.3633 www.acadfor.com
Aspire Integrative Remedial Educational Society Education for students with learning difficulties. 604.534.7972
Canada Home Tutoring School
Providing quality tutoring and coaching services in as convenient a way as possible. www.canadahometutoring.com
Club Z! In Home Tutoring Services
One-on-one in-home tutoring to help improve grades, raise test scores, learn study skills and build academic confidence. 866.448.8867 | www.clubztutoring.com
Ecole Francaise Internationale de Vancouver Offering education in French and English. North Vancouver. 604.924.2457
Kumon
Reading and math enrichment programs available that allow students to develop the skills necessary to have a richer, more successful educational experience. 800.222.6284 | www.kumon.com
PD Plus Tutoring Services
Provides in-home tutoring. 604.421.6101 | www.pdplustutors.com
Oxford Learning Centres
Students will spend time exploring, discovering, creating and learning. Who knew kids could have so much fun improving their math, reading, writing, study, homework and learning skills? Multiple locations. www.oxfordlearning.com
Progressive Learning Centre
One-on-one tutoring services for kids and adults. 604.733.4400
Sylvan Learning Centre
A wide variety of tutoring services available to kids of all ages, in-centre and/or online. Multiple locations. 888.338.2283 | www.educate.com
Teachers’ Tutoring Service
Find a tutor for kids in all grades. 604.730.3410 | www.tutor.bc.ca
Tutor Doctor
Providing affordable one-on-one supplementary education to students and adults through in-home tutoring. 604.943.0555 | www.inhometutors.ca
summer learning
HOME LEARNING
BC Home Learners’ Association
Supports families who choose to educate their kids at home. 866.444.2299 | www.bchla.bc.ca
Burnaby Online
Allows students to work online with the Burnaby School District to meet their educational needs. 604.664.2526 | www.online.sd41.bc.ca
Lochiel U-Connect Education Centre
Innovative programming for home learners. 604.534.4020 | www2.sd35.bc.ca/uconnect
New Westminster Home Learners Program
Program focuses on a three-way partnership between parents, teachers and children. Kindergarten to grade eight. 604.517.5917
Open School B.C.
Resources for kindergarten to grade 12; online and in print. 888.883.4766 | openschool.bc.ca
SelfDesign Learning Foundation
Offering services and support to the home learning community. 604.224.3640 | www.selfdesign.org
Traditional Learning Academy: School at Home
Christian education offering online and paper-based options for kindergarten to grade 12 students. 604.572.7875 | www.schoolathome.ca
help me sara!
On Fathers and Daughters
By Sara Dimerman
Dad. Vader. Baba. Tatay. Papa. Apu. Babbo. Tata. Abba. Babbas. Pai. Pop. However you spell it and no matter how you say it, the words all mean the same: Father.
Now that it’s June and Mother’s Day has come and gone, fathers can look forward to their special day.
The relationship between fathers and their daughters is both special and complicated.
Although mothers feel softer and are often seen as the nurturers, there’s something special about snuggling with dad. Something about the strength in his arms, the broadness of his shoulders and the sound of his voice make a girl feel safe.
However, by the time she’s ten or eleven, a young girl is likely to create physical distance between her father and herself as she embarks on her journey towards becoming a young woman and feels less comfortable with sitting on his lap, having him stroke her hair and kiss her soft cheek. The pang of rejection is often difficult for a father as he struggles to maintain the same closeness that a young girl will often reserve for her mother. This is the complicated side of being father to a daughter.
However, don’t be fooled into straying too far. Try not to take this personally by realizing that this has nothing to do with you. This is your little girl’s first step towards defining personal boundaries—with men especially. You are the very first man in your daughter’s life and how you respond to her creating this space will send a strong message about having her needs heard and respected. Try to find other ways to remain close. Settle for being able to hold her hand briefly as you cross the street. Relish the moments when she’s tired and rests her head on your shoulders.
If you show her unconditional love and acceptance, if you listen to and respect her needs, she will expect that other men in her life will too. If you show her unconditional love, she will not allow herself to become engaged in relationships with men who love her only if she looks or acts a certain way. If you
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show her respect, she will expect other boys—and eventually men—to treat her as their equals. She will choose partners who listen to what is important to her, validate her and encourage her to assert herself.
When a young girl takes time for herself, maintains hygiene and cares about her grooming, and is acknowledged for doing so—by her father, in particular—this will be very meaningful. So, when you say something like “Wow, you’ve cut your hair. I love the way it frames your beautiful face.” she will glow. When you say “You handled yourself so well in that situation. You asserted yourself without being bossy. You expressed your thoughts so clearly.” she will be thrilled that you have noticed. The way in which a young girl sees herself reflected in her father’s feedback can encourage or discourage her towards becoming a self-confident woman.
As well, the way in which a girl’s father treats her mother—whether they are living together or apart—also creates a template for the way in which she will expect to be treated. If she sees her father care for, respect and speak highly of her mother, this will not only foster even greater love towards her father, but will also provide a model for her future relationships.
Biology can help a man become a father, but it takes time, effort and careful intention to be a dad. A dad may have given you life or may have come into your life later on. The person who plays the role of dad may also be dad to your mom. He may even be mom’s brother. Being a dad is a huge responsibility, but also an awesome privilege. This Father’s Day, take a few minutes to reflect on the role you want to play in your daughter’s life and the amazing opportunity you have to shape her future. And if your daughter’s grown into a woman, spend some extra time with her on this day, too, to celebrate the many years that you’ve shared together.
Sara Dimerman, C.Psych.Assoc., provides in-office and over the phone counselling to individuals, couples and families. A parent herself, she is the author of two parenting books, Am I A Normal Parent? and Character Is the Key. Listen to advice by Sara and other experts by searching for “helpmesara” on iTunes. Find out more at www.helpmesara.com.
Two Top Chefs Weigh In on Cooking for Kids
By Michele Kambolis
We all have trouble feeding our kids, even superstar chefs. Here, two top Vancouver chefs share their own experiences with cooking for kids.
David Hawksworth is poised to unveil his much-awaited eponymous restaurant in the beautifully transformed Rosewood Georgia Hotel. Instead of his familiar chef’s jacket, Hawksworth dons dust-covered denim, steel-toed boots and a construction hat. His keen eye manages the construction team as stealthily as his culinary teams, a level of perfectionism that transfers easily. As we talk about kids, nutrition and a passion for food, a lesser known side to this celebrated chef shines through.
I’m always curious to know who dominates the kitchen in a chef’s home. Who does the cooking in your household?
Me
You have a three-and-a-half-year-old son, Heston. How has your cooking changed since he came along and rocked your culinary world? We’re eating much earlier. There’s less steak, more pasta and, at times, I’m making three different meals.
What is your biggest food challenge with Heston?
It has to be cooked in a way that tastes good for someone of any age to enjoy it. If you overcook food or it isn’t fresh, people won’t want it—and that includes children.
Any other challenges?
Yes, getting him off the sweets when he’s been corrupted by Grandma. We don’t have apple juice or sugar in our house, so it really affects him. Food companies have marketed really well to kids and parents. I’ll give him yogurt, which seems healthy and yet he’ll be bouncing off the walls. Then I’ll take a closer look and realize there’s a ton of sugar in it.
So many parents struggle with getting their children to eat a variety of foods. Do you have the same problem with Heston?
If your child’s hungry enough he’ll eat. We do very little snacking and are active, so Heston is hungry and more willing to try new foods. Heston eats everything, even dim sum. When he tries something new, like broccoli, we tell him it’s “Superman Broccoli” like Willie Mitchell eats. Heston loves Willie, so he’s more than happy to eat it.
Where is your favorite place to eat out with Heston in tow?
Kirin for dim sum—the Richmond location is the best.
I once read that your Mom makes Christmas cake better than anyone. What would Heston say you make better than anyone? Macaroni and cheese with a side of Superman broccoli.
Chef Pino Posteraro, of Cioppino’s Restaurant, took a moment to weigh in on the cooking with kids question as he was about to have a culinary adventure of his own—a trip to Paris with his youngest daughter. At the age of eight, she’s already proven a worthy companion for his ambitious itinerary of bistros and three-Michelin-star restaurants. “She fell in love with Ratatouille,” Posteraro explains. “She then discovered a book that teaches children how to make everything in the movie and now she’ll eat anything—except snails.”
I understand that your mother was a skilled chef. What was your favourite meal of hers?
The best meal of my life was served by my mother during a power outage. I was 14 years old and she had to cook with the preserves and salt-cured foods we had stocked in the pantry. We’d made up to 700 jars of tomatoes to make it last through the winter. The flavour was unforgettable.
You’re passionate about health and, for a time, went to medical school. How does this translate in your family’s kitchen?
I’m very against pre-packaged foods and check the ingredients very carefully. It’s not like Europe, where fast food is a panini and fresh coffee. I must admit to giving in once in awhile, but overall we cook very fresh food—from garden to table.
Having four children, you must have at least one or two finicky eaters?
My children eat everything and have a sense of adventure about food—Greek, sushi, Chinese, everything.
Your children range in age from five to 17 years. Does that pose a dinnertime challenge?
It’s hard when we’re not on the same pace. I want to compensate for the time I’m away from the restaurant, so the kids are always there for the main event. For me, cooking is a legacy to be passed to my children, so they can, in turn, cook for their own children.
I understand that your daughter is now working at the restaurant. You have a reputation for running a tight ship, so what has this been like for you both?
The staff is like family to me, so it’s natural for her to be here. We sit together with the staff and have a meal before every shift, eating collectively as a family is one of the most important things to me.
Chef David Hawksworth with his son Heston in the family kitchen.
Utah’s Red Canyon:
Butch Cassidy’s Lair and a Mountain Biker’s Paradise
Debbie Bowman
Red Canyon was living up to its name. In fact, it was the reddest rock I’d ever seen. The fiery formations that towered above us—many over twenty stories high—were otherworldly. Some of the hoodoos looked like they were ready to topple any minute (though they’d probably keep standing for hundreds of years), and others resembled familiar characters, like Snoopy. And who can resist taking a picture of a huge, red Snoopy? It’s not exactly something you see everyday.
Such were the sights as we rode our bikes up one canyon, over a spine, and down a parallel canyon back to our car. We were doing a 20 kilometre loop trail through two canyons in the Dixie National Forest’s Red Canyon—and we were in heaven.
The specific canyons we were exploring on our bikes were the Casto and Losee. Butch Cassidy was raised not far from these canyons and many of his hideouts were located in amongst the crimson walls. With the area’s countless nooks and crannies, it’s easy to imagine Butch riding through, hiding his loot behind a hoodoo.
But Red Canyon isn’t only about red soil and rock. Though it’s hard to imagine ever tiring of the crimson architecture, this particular trail is a circle of ever-changing scenery.
The loop starts at the Casto Canyon trailhead/parking lot. Riders begin their adventure by travelling east into the mouth of the canyon. Immediately, riders are presented with unbelievable formations that take the breath away. In fact, the scenery is so interesting it’s hard to concentrate on the trail. But concentration is needed as the trail rolls up and down through numerous wet and dry river beds. Eventually the trail curves to the right and begins to climb. The soil lightens and the trail takes riders through a forest of ancient bristlecone pines. Knowing that these trees can be as much as 5,000 years old makes it an interesting place to stop for a rest.
The trail continues to climb as it prepares to crest the spine. Some areas require riders to get off and push, but most of the hill is ridable. We didn’t mind excuses to walk a bit, though—it made it easier to appreciate the stunning scenery. Just after the top, tired riders are rewarded with a view of the signposted “Little Desert”—a beautiful scene of hard white sand and twisted old trees. From there it’s just pure fun as the trail winds down through switchbacks—and then down some more—into the cool shadows of the next canyon. Losee is narrower, and slightly greener than Casto, and it contains numerous side canyons which jut off the main canyon—all beckoning to be explored. Eventually, the fun is over, though, as riders emerge from the canyon’s mouth and head back to the car.
This is a trail that will please most mountain bikers, though the difficulty rating is easy to moderate. The trail is mainly gentle, but the wash crossings demand a bit of oomph to successfully navigate. As well, the trail that descends from the spine down to Losee Canyon requires moderate proficiency to safely ride. If riders in your group are younger, and you’re unsure of how far they can go, it’s always an option just to go into the canyon a ways and return back via the same trial. This option still gives you a good taste of this fantastic bike ride.
Red Canyon is located in south central Utah, an area chock-a-block full of amazing topography. World-famous Bryce Canyon National Park is quite close to Red Canyon, as is Zion National Park, only 135 kilometres away. The Moab—perhaps the most famous mountain bike destination in Utah—is just a day’s drive away.
The close proximity of other attractions also means lots of places to stay and camp. Red Canyon has its own campground for accommodation convenient to the trailhead. And Bryce Canyon National Park, about 10 kilometres away, has a huge campground with facilities for both motor homes and tents. If camping isn’t your thing, there are several hotels at the entrance to Bryce Canyon.
Upon finishing our ride, I asked my husband how it compared to other rides he’s done throughout his life. Taking into consideration the amazing places he’s explored on his bike, I was impressed to hear him say that this was the best ride he had ever done. The fact that he was able to experience it with his whole family only made it better.
• This is a 20.8 kilometre trail.
• This route is ridable from April through October. Average daytime temperatures are 21˚C to 26˚C, with night temperatures around 5˚C.
• Bring lots of water—there is no drinking water along the trail.
• There is an outhouse at the trailhead/parking lot.
• Red Canyon Visitor Centre has a water tap, a restroom, and vending machines.
• The town of Panguitch, approximately 11 kilometres from the trail head, has a hospital, all visitor services, and a full-service bike shop.
• Bikes can be rented at Ruby’s Inn near the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. www.rubysinn.com
• An informative guide book is Mountain Biking Utah by Gregg Bromka.
• Visit the Dixie National Forest for more info. at www.forestcamping.com/dow/intermtn/dixinfo.htm
• Access: From the junction of U.S. Hwy 89 and UT 12 (seven miles south of Panguitch), travel east on UT 12 toward Bryce Canyon National Park. Turn left at Milepost 2 for Casto and Losee canyons and take the gravel road 3 miles to Casto, passing Losee after 2 miles.
Photos and text by
Great Reads for Dads, Moms and Kids!
The Art of Roughhousing: Good Old-Fashioned Horseplay and Why Every Kid Needs It
by Anthony T. DeBenedet, MD & Lawrence J. Cohen, PhD
These two dads explain through scientific studies and firsthand observations why creative, physical activity—what some might call roughhousing—nurtures close connections, solves behaviour problems, boosts confidence and more.
$16.95
E is for Environment
by Ian James Corlett, illustrated by R.A. Holt Corlett, a Vancouver dad and author of E is for Ethics, has put together another small gem with this collection of stories that help children care for their world at home, at school and at play.
$21.99
Terry Fox: A Story of Hope by
Maxine Trottier
Created in cooperation with the Terry Fox Foundation and the Fox family, this is the first authorized biography of Terry Fox written specifically for young readers. First published in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope, this edition includes eight additional pages on Terry’s legacy. Ages 7 to 11.
$9.99
Canada Grills!
by Barry Martin
With over 222 delicious recipes for the barbecue king in your family, this could be the perfect gift for Dad this Father’s Day!
$26.95
George’s Cosmic Treasure Hunt by Lucy and Stephen Hawking Stephen Hawking may be the world’s preeminent physicist, but he’s also a dad. In this follow-up to George’s Secret Key to the Universe, Hawking once again collaborates with his daughter, Lucy, on this fun-filled novel that also explains scientific theories and facts about the universe in a way that middle-school children will love.
$22.99
Cyclist BikeList: The Book for Every Rider
by Laura Robinson, illustrated by Ramon K. Perez Robinson, a former member of Canada’s national cycling team and freelance journalist, has combined fascinating bike history with useful and fun information for new and advanced riders of all ages, including tips of how to dress, what to eat and how to buy and maintain a bike.
$19.99
Vancouver Kids
by Lesley McKnight
This new anthology from Brindle and Glass’ Couragous Kids series was released in celebration of Vancouver’s 125th anniversary this year. Vancouver Kids features true tales about remarkable kids as they experience the earliest potlatch ceremonies, arrive on the HMCS Discovery, escape the Great Vancouver Fire, ride in the first cars, explore the hidden corners of Stanley Park, and learn the secrets—and dangers—of living in a big city. With twenty-two stories told by real-life kids, Vancouver Kids is a one-of-a-kind tour of this famous city that you won’t soon forget.
$12.95
If You’re Happy and You Know It!
by Jane Cabrera
Use this colourful board book to sing, clap, stomp, kiss and swish your way through the popular children’s song with Monkey and all his friends.
$9.95
James Coleridge of Bella
Gelateria
Slow Food Gelato? You bet! Bella Gelateria owner James Coleridge gives us the “scoop” on fatherhood, mountain climbing and running a sustainable business.
What’s the lowdown on you?
My wife Anna and I were engaged climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. On our way home from our trip we stopped in New York on New Year’s Eve. We had been talking about where to get married and different places. We went into a shop which took a photo of your face and placed it on a billboard in Times Square in various global settings. When my photo came up, I was in a gondola in Venice and we decided that would be the place.
We were married September 2003. It was so romantic, so perfect, so amazing. Tradition called for the groom (me) to wait at the church for his bride and the bride would walk through the streets in her wedding gown, through the shops, through the narrow streets. It was here the start of Bella Gelateria was born. We walked through the streets, enjoying gelato and the shop keepers were constantly coming out and people walking by would yell “Bella” at my beautiful wife.
Anna and I have two children, our son Jett (two years old) and our daughter Eden (nine months old).
How did your business come about?
I had been working with the climbing education program I created, Summits of Canada. I and a team of climbers would climb mountains and share the journey with school children around the world. We would use the climbing and preparation and talk about geography, science, nutrition and Canada. Just after Jett was born in 2009 I was scheduled to climb Fairweather Mountain, the highest point of British Columbia. On the climb, knowing Anna and our son were at home, I start thinking about creating a less dangerous business. Anna and I discussed our passions and we constantly reflected back to our time in Italy. During the days before the Olympics, I was in Italy going to school, doing an internship at Carpigiani’s Gelato University. Then our realtor sent me an email saying, “Our ship has come in.” There was an empty space on the corner of Burrard and Cordova, in the Fairmont Pacific Rim, which was available. After I got back, our little family signed the lease. We put our home, savings, everything on the line for what we believed in. Two months afterward we opened Bella Gelateria (www.bellagelateria.com) and the rest is history.
What are some of your biggest challenges in work? In life?
The biggest challenge with our business is finding balance between business and family. As a small business built on my education and skills in making gelato, I spend between 70 and 90 hours a week, mostly standing. When Jett was born I was able to share in his upbringing, do the family cooking (yes, I am the cook in the family). It was a wonderful part of my life watching him grow, learn and shape as a little person. Now with the business in full operation, I have not been able to been there as much for Eden, Jett or Anna. I struggle with not being there to help, to share, to be a part of their lives. I know I am building a family business, but it is very hard not seeing them and helping. My challenge is always to fine more time with them. It’s not perfect, but I find at least one day a week to come home to help and be a part of their days. What I do is very physical, standing upwards of 12 hours a day. I am lucky my physical stamina and strength gives me the ability to survive and thrive in the tough environment and business we built.
What would you describe as some of the biggest rewards of your work/ family?
The biggest reward is knowing that I am building a family business for our children. Knowing that our success gives our family a chance to have experiences. We chose that Anna, who had a very successful corporate career, would spend the next few years raising our children, so with a single income, the reward is that our business gives Anna the opportunity to raise our children. The other reward of my work is the passion I feel for what I do. I absolutely love watching the reaction of our customers as they taste our gelato and revisit their trips or time in Italy. They marvel at the quality, the flavour and our little family gelateria. It is truly an honour to make gelato in an old-world handcrafted style. Why would people make gelato with artificial flavours or chemicals when you can make it from scratch using fresh ingredients? The fast food industry makes it easier, cheaper and quicker, but we are about quality not quantity. As I tell people “I am a custodian of an old-world process, quickly being lost in an industrial world.” I’m proud when people who have been to Italy, as well as Italians living here, come in and tell me that our gelato is just like the best back in Italy.
Do you manage to take time-out for yourself? If so, what does that entail? Any time I get away from our gelateria, my first priority is to spend time with the family. I do not get enough, so good or bad, I do not take any personal time. Occasionally I will take a stroll while the gelato is mixing, walk down to the convention centre, look at the water, stare at the mountains and reflect on the wonderful times I have had in the mountains around the world.
Tell us one or two of the most important life lessons you have learned through being a dad/business owner.
That my family depends on me to build our business and that regardless of how I feel, it’s like climbing in that I am leading a team on a journey.
As a dad, I am much more relaxed and not so stressed about being punctual. Being married and having children teaches you a whole new level of patience. I really think that being a dad, just after being married to the most marvellous person in the world, is an amazing part of my life. I am so lucky to have a wonderful wife who is a great mom to our children.
Anything else you’d like us to know about you?
I was appointed as a Fellow to the Royal Canadian Geographical Society in 2009 for my work on geographic education across Canada with my Summits of Canada (www.summitsofcanada.com) program. This was a real honour. My mom and dad have had a big influence on me as a person. My dad taught me the importance of friendship and trusting yourself in your work, and believed in me in everything I did. I can only hope to be as good of a father as my dad was with me. My mom taught me a love of art, cooking and passion. She is an incredibly beautiful person with a great personality, who is always helping people and this passion was something I learned early and often. My mom is still here with us, but my dad has passed away and I still miss him every day. Oh, and I have three brothers, Peter, John and Robert. I am the third in the bunch.
Photographed by Gina Spanos | AG Photography | www.ginaspanos.com
8 Secrets of a Cool Dad
By Michele Kambolis
If you’ve ever had the chance to listen in on the chatter between grade school kids, you’d eventually hear a well-argued debate about who has the “coolest” dad. Truth be told, most of us never really abandon the drive to be “cool”—especially in the eyes of our kids. But, Dads are claiming their title in the coolest way of all—they’re asserting their position as an irreplaceable and consistent force in their child’s lives. So go ahead and bypass that new pair of Tom Ford sunglasses. With these tips, you’ll be the coolest dad on the block.
1. Jump in the pool of paternity leave. Long gone is the patronizing idea that “dads play and moms nurture.” Dads are taking their role more seriously than ever, struggling with the same work-family balance that once afflicted only women. The biggest win for dads is the jump in the number taking paternity leave—a whopping increase of three to 20 percent in the last six years. These dads aren’t taking a mere one to two weeks; they’re sharing in a full 35 weeks of changing, feeding and sleepless nights.
2. Who says Mom’s the expert? While dads are more involved at home, women are still doing the majority of scheduling and planning when it comes to kids. The latest studies show dads have taken the step towards participating and interacting more, yet still tend take a back seat when it comes to the day-to-day operational aspects of raising kids. While this may be a practical decision for some, for others it remains a stereotypical and cultural trend. Worklife initiatives have seen some gains, with men working about a half-hour less than a decade ago, while the same amount has increased for women. So, Dad, go ahead and sport that new Rag and Bone military jacket, but your drive to participate in the day-to-day parenting realities makes you the coolest yet.
3. Consistency is King. There’s a long list of reasons to be a consistent force in your child’s life. To start, it buffers your child from relationship woes with involved dads rearing children who tend to be better able to create a healthy degree of closeness and commitment in adulthood. Even better, dads who demonstrate affection and respect for Mom raise kids whose future relationships go the distance. If that’s not proof enough to convince you of dads’ influence on development, the impact on a child’s mental health just might. Dad’s presence—or rather, the lack of it—is shown to increase the likelihood of major mental health problems, while his love and attention provides a buffer.
4. Keep it cool. Dads who keep it positive and deal with difficult situations calmly raise kids who are less aggressive and have a rock solid self-esteem. What could be cooler than that? We all know that role modeling, practicing what you preach, speaks louder than words. We’re also learning that kids are watching both parents for cues in mood regulation skills, problem solving and ways to treat others. Dads figure in strongly, so remember to bite that tongue next time another driver cuts you off or young Timmy decides to draw on your latest house blueprints.
5. School rocks. Researchers in learning and development tell us children of more actively involved fathers score higher on verbal and mathematical ability, and display more sophisticated problem-solving skills. For sons, the relationship with Dad plays an even stronger role, earning them higher rates of access to post-secondary education. The school is cool message seems most compelling when it comes from Dad, so all those extra hours of kid-focused time has powerful weight when it comes to your child’s success.
6. Listen up. When dads listen and support, they raise kids who are able to cope better, take more risks and trust their own capabilities. The simple fact is, a solid attachment to Dad gives kids the security to venture out—knowing their mistakes will be met with a reassuring and caring reaction. Cool dads know that being a sounding board goes further than extending an ear. Asking questions, keeping the conversation flowing and remaining non-judgmental will keep your child coming back for more. After all, being your child’s go-to adult is the biggest achievement a parent can earn.
7. Those eyes are made for watching. You wouldn’t be the first to flush after hearing of your child’s use of a four-letter word in the school playground. Even worse is the proud explanation that “Daddy says that word all the time.” While the odd slip isn’t the end of the world, keep in mind that your habits aren’t going unnoticed. A cool dad knows that smoking, having a regular diet of junk food, yelling at other drivers, and other bad habits, just don’t cut it in front of kids.
8. No means no. Most agree that teenage entitlement is a growing concern and the failure to say “no” and stick to it is a contributing factor. Being “cool” in the eyes of our kids doesn’t mean giving them everything they want—the respect and values that come with firm boundaries create the resounding awareness that you have their best interests at the forefront.
Michele Kambolis is the Clinical Director of Harbourside Counseling Centre, Vice Chair of BC Mental Health Foundation and founder of CHIKids. She can be contacted at 604.689.9116 or www.childinfo.ca for any questions about your child’s mental health and development.
Adult Events for the Hip Dad Around Town!
Bike Month 2011
June 1-30
June is Bike Month and has grown to icon status in the years it has been operating. Every year, thousands of cyclists participate in events all through Metro Vancouver, celebrating cycling as fun, healthy, inspiring, and just a great way to get around. Experience the pleasure of cycling in the month of June, and every day of the year! www.bikemonth.best.bc.ca
Bard on the Beach Vanier Park, Vancouver
June 3 through September
The 21st season of Bard on the Beach, one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare festivals, features Shakespeare plays, related dramas, operas and arias, lectures, and several special events. Tickets $18.75-$35.50, or all plays for $139. www.bardonthebeach.org
Parents’ Survival Night
The Little Gym, Langley
June 10 & 24, 6pm
Relax and enjoy some adult time while your children (ages three to 12) get some quality “kid time” in a safe, fun, familiar place. A team of instructors guides them through an evening of physical activities, music and fun with their gym friends or invited pals. $30 for nonmembers.
604.539.2543 | www.thelittlegym.com
Velopalooza
Various locations
June 2-19
Velopalooza is 18 days of bike fun. With 48 events, most organized by individuals, bikers of all persuasions are likely to find many events of interest. Nearly all events are free. Check the website for details and events! www.velopalooza.ca
Night at the Aquarium
Vancouver Aquarium
June 10, 7pm-midnight
Start the event with a spot prawn extravaganza with three chefs and exclusive wines before joining the main gala. $250 per person, $2,500 per table of eight. Buy tickets online. All proceeds go to the Aquarium’s education and conservation activities. www.visitvanaqua.org
2011 Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival
Olympic Village
June 11-12
Paddlers, festival visitors, musicians, sponsors and food vendors will all be there for this free event, kicking off with the traditional blessing and eyedotting ceremony at the dock south of Science World. Please check website for all details. www.dragonboatbc.ca
EAT! Vancouver Food & Cooking Festival
Vancouver Convention Centre
June 10-12
Visitors will once again explore, taste, sample and shop from over 250 exhibiting companies showcasing a huge variety of food, beverage and cooking related products.
www.eat-vancouver.com
Cammidge House Committee Summer Boot Sale
Centennial Beach parking lot, Boundary Bay
June 11 & 25, 8:30am-12:30pm
The boot sale is back again, so come find some treasures. Buyers and sellers welcome at this popular multi-car boot sale. $10 per seller site. No reservations required.
604.943.0828 | 604.943.1303
Car-Free Vancouver Festival
Multiple locations
June 19
Come out and celebrate sustainable communities in Kitsilano and the West End, and on Main Street, Commercial Drive. The original festival site on Commercial Drive has live music, street hockey, revolutionary knitting circles, roller disco, a Healing Garden, and more.
www.carfreevancouver.org
Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer
June 18-19
Benefitting B.C. Cancer Foundation. Support and/or join thousands of dedicated men and women who will ride over 200km to Seattle to raise funds for and awareness of the fight against cancer. www.conquercancer.ca
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13th Annual Fathers Day Walk/Run for Prostate Cancer
June 19, 10am
Burnaby Lake Park at the Rowing Pavilion. This is a fun family event and race starts at 10am with a fun toddler race. There will be free food, entertainment and prizes. Come help raise funds towards Research, Awareness and Support for B.C. men. Registration is $35 and all proceeds go directly to help B.C. men. Register online or call.
604.574.4012 | www.walktolive.ca
Bloom Market
Fort Langley Community Hall
June 19, 11am-5pm
Bloom will bring together an eclectic mix of artists, craftspeople and designers to showcase their one-ofa-kind art, fashion, accessories, jewellery, home decor, vintage, and more. Adults $2, children 12 and under are free.
www.bloommarket.ca
RUSH: Race and Urban Scavenger Hunt
All over Metro Vancouver
June 25, 9am-4pm
Benefitting the B.C. Lung Association. Think of it like an intense, one day version of TV’s Amazing Race; teams of 2 sign up to scour Metro Vancouver on foot and by public transit to complete 10 Checkpoint Challenges within a 6 hour time limit. Checkpoint Challenges will test teams’ limits both mentally and physically – while promising unforgettable moments – and loads of laughs! The team who finishes first wins an amazing trip for two around the world! For registration details, visit website.
604.731.5864 | www.rushvancouver.com
Ivory Vintage Market
Elgin Hall, 14250 Crescent Road, Surrey
June 25, 9am-4pm
This is a handmade, vintage and eco-friendly market run by three creative women committed and passionate about sustainable living, ethically sourced products and supporting local businesses. This market is a mix of old and new and is always aiming to be green!
www.ivoryvintage.com
East Side Pride
Grandview Park, Vancouver
June 26, 11am
One of Vancouver Pride Society’s summer events, this neighbourhood event will have live entertainment, food vendors, and lots of community fun. This is a free event.
www.vancouverpride.ca
June is Bike Month!
By Jared Walker
With summer vacation right around the corner, it’s likely that we’ll start to see Vancouver’s youngsters making good use of our bike lanes and neighbourhood streets in the coming weeks. Whether buying a bike for the first time, or pulling their favourite two-wheeled toy out of the garage, it’s always important to consider safety first to avoid accidents and maximize the fun factor during the spring and summer biking season.
Below are five safety tips for preparing children for safe bike rides this summer.
Pick a Bike That Fits. Making sure the bike is properly fitted to the child is incredibly important. Have them stand over the bicycle and check to see where the crossbar of the bike reaches on the legs. There should be one to two inches of space between the child and a road bike and three to four inches of space for a mountain bike. The seat should be adjusted to a height that allows the knees to be slightly bent when at the lowest point of the pedal rotation.
Stay on Top of Bike Maintenance. Make sure the nuts and bolts on the handlebars and wheels are tight and secure. Also, inspect the chain and oil it throughout the season. Check the tires to make sure they are properly inflated. They should never be flat or low in air, or inflated to a point where they have no give at all. Brakes should also be inspected throughout the season to make sure they are working properly.
Wear a Helmet . Thousands of children are seriously injured every year in biking accidents and statistics show that a majority of these injuries would have been minimized if the child had been wearing a helmet. When you head to the store, involve the child in choosing a colourful, wellventilated helmet. If children pick out their helmet, they may be more cooperative in wearing it. Have them fitted properly at the store before you make the purchase. Make sure the helmet straps stay adjusted properly and that the child buckles the straps every time they set out on a ride.
Be Visible. Encourage children to wear bright colours when biking. Whether riding during the day or at night, bright neon colours are the most visible. You can easily add strips of reflective tape to backpacks or jackets. In general, it is not a good idea to encourage bike riding at night. If it can’t be avoided, ensure there are ample reflectors on both the front and back of the bike and consider adding a flashing light or headlight.
Learn the Rules of the Road. Teach children the rules of the road. A bike rider is required to follow all of the same road rules that cars follow, such as stopping at all stop signs and stop lights. Cyclists should ride on the right side of the road and travel with traffic. Children should also be taught the proper hand signals so that they can signal their turning intentions to other vehicles around them.
Jared Walker is a B.C. biking expert with Opus Bikes (www.opusbike.com).
Klahowya Village & Spirit Catcher Train
Stanley Park, Vancouver
Ongoing to September 11, 10am-6pm daily
Stanley Park’s miniature railway plaza has been reborn as Klahowya Village and the Spirit Catcher Train. All summer long enjoy authentic Aboriginal cultural performers, carvers, artisans, storytelling, traditional cuisine and a themed miniature railroad that celebrates Aboriginal cultures from across British Columbia. See website for admission rates and train schedule. www.aboriginalbc.com
Cirque Du Soleil: Dralion
Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre
June 2-5, various times
The show’s name is derived from its two emblematic creatures: the dragon, symbolizing the East, and the lion, symbolizing the West. In the world of Dralion, cultures blend, man and nature are one, and balance is achieved.
604.743.5000 | www.cirquedusoleil.com
Birds Up Close
Vancouver Aquarium
June 4-September 5
Don’t miss this unparalleled live aerial show featuring falcons, hawks, eagles and more dynamic feathered acrobats. Watch these powerful creatures as they dive and swoop above you in an incredible display of skill and agility. Explore the unique relationships between seas and sky through up close bird experiences and special educational programming throughout the galleries.
604.659.3474 | www.visitvanaqua.org
Day Out with Thomas Railway Heritage Park, Squamish
June 4-5 & 11-12, eight train rides a day staring at 9:30 each day.
25 Minute Train ride with a full size Thomas the Tank Engine. Meet Sir Topham Hat, live music, write a letter to Thomas and many other Thomas activities on site. Info and ticket link on Heritage Park website.
604.898.9336 | www.wcra.org
Goin’ Green Kids Swap
Abbotsford Seniors Association
2631 Cyril Street, Abbotsford June 11, 9am-1pm Clothes, toys and much more! Admission $3. Kids are free! Interested in selling? Tables are $25.
604.626.3588
50th Birthday Celebration
Grand Boulevard Preschool June 11, 10am-1pm
Celebrate the preschool’s 50th birthday with a concert by Notable Kids Kindermusik and Will Stroet. Participate in free activities including face painting, cake and games. Concert tickets are $5/person; kids under two are free. Purchase tickets online or pay by cash at the door.
www.gbppp.com
community calendar
Dog Days of Summer
Derby Reach Regional Park
June 11, 11am-3pm
Celebrate barking, sniffing and wagging at this dog-focused event. Try a free mini obedience class, meet dog ambassadors, and win a prize for best-dressed hound. Allow an hour to complete all activities. Rain or shine. Meet at the main picnic shelter in Derby Reach at 21801 Allard Crescent.
604.530.4983
Scales and Tails
Green Timbers Urban Fort Park Lake, Surrey
June 11, 10am-2pm (drop in)
Hang out with Dad on a family fishing trip to Green Timbers Lake! Learn how to use a rod and reel, find out fun, “fishy” info, play games and make a craft. Bring your own equipment or borrow. Rain or shine. Free.
604.502.6065 | www.surrey.ca
22nd Annual Teddy Bear Picnic
Coquitlam Town Centre Park
June 12, 11am-4:30pm (parade starts at 10am at Coquitlam Centre Mall)
Enjoy many exciting and fun-filled activities such as teddy bear playground, gymnastics, kids’ zone, bicycle safety course, fire safety house and face painting. Even young musicians can learn to make their own music. Admission is $3. Kids under three are free. www.festivalcoquitlam.citysoup.ca
Vancouver Francophone Summer Festival
Various locations
June 17-24
Soak up the multicultural flavour of international francophones through outdoor performances in the heart of the city.
Organized by the city’s Francophone Cultural Centre, there is storytelling, live music and other fun events.
604.736.9806 | www.lecentreculturel.com
25th Annual Point Grey Fiesta!
June 18, starts at 8am
Carnival rides operate all weekend. Friday wristbands and Dads ride free on Sunday!
Purchase discounted ride tickets at West 10th stores. Start the day with a pancake breakfast. 604.617.0732 | www.pointgreyfiesta.org
Family Play Area Grand Opening for Father’s Day
Britannia Mine Museum
June 19, 9am-4:30pm (activities from 11am-4pm)
Come celebrate Father’s Day with dad and bring a picnic lunch for International Picnic Day. Play all day in the new Children’s Play Area where there will be tons of fun and safe gadgets and toys. Lots of fun games are planned for the day, plus local food!
800.896.4044 | www.bcmm.ca
Fathers Day Open House 2011
Historic Stewart Farm 13723 Crescent Rd, Surrey
June 19, noon-4pm
See live steam-powered and large-scale trains from the Greater Vancouver Garden Railway Club on the grounds of the farm. Make a train theme craft and meet model railroad enthusiasts. Drop in, entrance by donation.
604.592.6956
Aboriginal Day
Fort Langley National Historic Site
June 19
Taste salmon baked over the fire, enjoy Aboriginal dancing and music, and discover the traditions of our land. Visit the new gift shop, Šxwimelə Gifts, now managed by the Kwantlen First Nation.
604.513.4777
Sunday in the Park Boundary Bay Regional Park June 19, 9am-noon
Come eat at the 11th annual Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast at Centennial Beach near the playground site. Enjoy live entertainment and fun with your family. Breakfast $5/adult, $2/child.
www.parkpartners.ca
Old Car Sunday in the Park June 19, 9am-3pm
Fraser River Heritage Park, Mission Food, entertainment, kids’ activities and a display of over 1,000 collector and vintage cars. Entry by donation with partial proceeds going to Variety Children’s Charity. www.oldcarsunday.ca
Lovestruck Baby & Family Fair
Creekside Community Centre, Vancouver
June 19, 11am-4pm
Come to this family and baby fair right next to Science World! Balloon animals, face painting, live entertainment and more! The first 200 families receive the Lovestruck reusable tote, stuffed with goodies for the whole family!
604.551.9680 | www.lovestruckbabies.com
Delta Community Animal Expo
Ladner Memorial Park
June 26, 10am-4pm
This fun-filled family event is a great opportunity to enjoy a day in the sunshine with your family (furred and feathered included!). Support DCAS, your community animal shelter, by coming out for this free event!
604.940.71
www.deltacommunityanimalshelter.ca
North Delta Family Days
North Delta Community Park
June 26, 11am-3pm
Enjoy live performances, parade, picnic, children’s activities, displays, games and BBQ. The parade starts at Burnsview Secondary School.
www.delta.bc.ca
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